KVM vs VMware vSphere

May 27, 2023 | Author: Michael Stromann
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KVM
KVM (for Kernel-based Virtual Machine) is a full virtualization solution for Linux on x86 hardware containing virtualization extensions (Intel VT or AMD-V). It consists of a loadable kernel module, kvm.ko, that provides the core virtualization infrastructure and a processor specific module, kvm-intel.ko or kvm-amd.ko. KVM also requires a modified QEMU although work is underway to get the required changes upstream.
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VMware vSphere
Build your own cloud infrastructure in your datacenter and remote sites on VMware vSphere the world’s leading server virtualization platform. Virtualize your x86 server resources and aggregate them into logical pools for allocation of multiple workloads. Get network services optimized for the virtual environment, along with simplified administration and management. Reduce the complexity of back-end storage systems and enable the most efficient storage utilization in cloud infrastructures.
KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) and VMware vSphere are both virtualization platforms, but they differ in several key aspects.

1. Hypervisor Type: KVM is a Type 2 hypervisor that runs on top of the host operating system, while VMware vSphere is a Type 1 hypervisor that runs directly on the hardware without relying on an underlying operating system. This architectural difference can affect performance and resource utilization.

2. Open Source vs Proprietary: KVM is an open-source virtualization technology that is integrated into the Linux kernel, making it widely available and flexible for customization. On the other hand, VMware vSphere is a proprietary solution developed by VMware, which provides additional enterprise-grade features and support.

3. Management Tools: VMware vSphere offers a comprehensive suite of management tools, such as vCenter Server, which provides centralized management, resource allocation, and advanced features like high availability and live migration. KVM, being part of the Linux kernel, can be managed through various open-source management tools like libvirt and oVirt, but may require additional configuration and integration.

4. Ecosystem and Vendor Support: VMware vSphere has a mature and extensive ecosystem with a wide range of third-party integrations, tools, and vendor support. It is widely adopted in enterprise environments and offers enterprise-grade features like fault tolerance and distributed resource scheduling. KVM, although less widely adopted in enterprise environments, has a growing ecosystem and community support, and is favored by those seeking open-source solutions or specific customization requirements.

5. Licensing and Cost: KVM is generally considered a cost-effective solution as it is open source and typically bundled with Linux distributions. VMware vSphere, being a proprietary solution, has licensing costs associated with it, particularly for advanced features and enterprise editions.

See also: Top 10 Virtualization platforms
Author: Michael Stromann
Michael is an expert in IT Service Management, IT Security and software development. With his extensive experience as a software developer and active involvement in multiple ERP implementation projects, Michael brings a wealth of practical knowledge to his writings. Having previously worked at SAP, he has honed his expertise and gained a deep understanding of software development and implementation processes. Currently, as a freelance developer, Michael continues to contribute to the IT community by sharing his insights through guest articles published on several IT portals. You can contact Michael by email stromann@liventerprise.com